Toward Real-Time Image Annotation Using Marginalized Coupled Dictionary Learning

In most image retrieval systems, images include various high-level semantics, called tags or annotations. Virtually all the state-of-the-art image annotation methods that handle imbalanced labeling are search-based techniques which are time-consuming. In this paper, a novel coupled dictionary learning approach is proposed to learn a limited number of visual prototypes and their corresponding semantics simultaneously. This approach leads to a real-time image annotation procedure. Another contribution of this paper is that utilizes a marginalized loss function instead of the squared loss function that is inappropriate for image annotation with imbalanced labels. We have employed a marginalized loss function in our method to leverage a simple and effective method of prototype updating. Meanwhile, we have introduced ${\ell}_1$ regularization on semantic prototypes to preserve the sparse and imbalanced nature of labels in learned semantic prototypes. Finally, comprehensive experimental results on various datasets demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method for image annotation tasks in terms of accuracy and time. The reference implementation is publicly available on https://github.com/hamid-amiri/MCDL-Image-Annotation.Comment: @article{roostaiyan2022toward, title={Toward real-time image annotation using marginalized coupled dictionary learning}, author={Roostaiyan, Seyed Mahdi and Hosseini, Mohammad Mehdi and Kashani, Mahya Mohammadi and Amiri, S Hamid}, journal={Journal of Real-Time Image Processing}, volume={19}, number={3}, pages={623--638}, year={2022}, publisher={Springer}

Gold cone metasurface MIC sensor with monolayer of graphene and multilayer of graphite

This report makes a comparison between the spectrum features of plasmonic metamaterial metal-insulator-conductor (MIC) sensor with a monolayer of graphene and another MIC sensor with a multilayer of graphite as the back reflector. In both structures, the silicon substrate as an insulator layer was sandwiched between sub wave length periodic nanogold cones as the first layer and graphene and graphite as the third layer, respectively. Nanolayer of chromium nano rods was also considered in the structure of MIC sensors as an interface layer between silicon and nanogold cone metasurface. The performance of the sensor was evaluated under different incident polarized light angles and different thickness of the metasurface when the metasurface infiltrated with seawater and air. The transmission spectrum of monolayer graphene-based MIC sensor, respecting to s-polarized waves, reveals prominent feature to detect the air rather than seawater in invisible regime. Meanwhile, the reflection spectrum of graphite-based MIC sensor provides ∼0 % reflection under resonance condition regarding s- and p-polarized waves for detecting air in visible spectrum

The survey of possibility of beluga (Huso huso) sturgeon culture in different densities in Khuzestan province

The influence of stocking density was investigated on growth, survival and FCR of great sturgeon (Huso huso) juvenile in north of Khuzestan province (Dezful). The study was conducted by Southern Iran Aquaculture research center. This study was done from September 2013 to July 2014 in three stage with different weight of Huso huso juveniles. In the first stage density of 1.5, 3 and 6 kg/m^2 during two month was performed. The initial weight and length of fish in this stage considered as 143±0.29 g and 316±1.1 mm. In the second stage 3, 6 and 9 kg/m2 density were introduced. The initial weight and length of fish in this stage considered as 548.58±33.26 g and 416.5±0.81 mm and duration of the stage was 84 days. In the third stage 6, 9 and 12 kg/m^2 density were introduced and initial weight and length were 1571.33±71.33 g and 687.5±10.96 mm. Growth and feeding index were assess in each stage. In the first stage monthly blood samples were collected from each density. In this stage bold and hormonal indices were assessed. The results showed that the average final weight in stage 1 in 1.5, 3 and 6 kg/m^2 densities were 527.27±6.82 g, 467.91±18.81 g and 431.02±24.25 g respectively. The highest average of weight was in treatment 1 and it has significant difference with treatment 3 (P0.05). FCR, condition factor, daily growth, special growth index, BWI and food performance index have not significant difference in treatments. Daily growth rate in treatment 1, 2 and 3 were 13.93±2.83, 11.44±2.65 and 9.6±2.49 respectively. In the third stage the average final weight in 6, 9 and 12 kg/m^2 densities were 3232.22±66.12g, 3407.39±119.73g and 2869.72±135.7g. The highest average weight was in treatment 2 and has significant difference with treatment 3 (P0.05). FCR, condition factor, daily growth, special growth index, BWI and food performance index have not significant difference in treatments. Daily growth rate in treatment 1, 2 and 3 were 20.37±3.12 g/day, 19.90±4.2 g/day and 16.36±3.64 g/day respectively

Determination of suitable age and size for releasing of Salmo trutta caspius by evaluation of osmotic

This study was carried out to determine the appropriate size of Caspian trout (Salmo trutta caspius Kessler, 1877) juveniles for releasing to South Caspian Sea or possibility of cage culture in Caspian Sea water. 1611 specimens were exposed in 4 weight groups of 5, 10, 15 and 20 g, in 3 salinity trials: Caspian Water (11- 11.5), inshore water (7) and fresh water (control). Each trial was done in 3 replicates. The blood samples and tissue fixations carried out from juveniles of control group (in fresh water) and 3, 6, 12, 24, 72, 168, 240 hours after exposure of fish in different treatments. Plasma osmolal ity, Na^+ and Cl^- concentrations, were measured by osmometer, flame photometer, RA1000 respectively. Plasma cortisol level was determined by using RIA (radio immunochemical assay). Na^+, K^+-ATPase activity in homogenates of gills was estimated by phosphate released from ATP. Histological indicators including chloride cell diameter and nephron morphometric parameters were assessed using classic preparation and optic microscope with digital camera. Results of osmolality and ions measuring concurrently show that all weight groups can live in salinity of 7 and they maintain the osmolality and ion concentrations. In the Caspian water, weight groups excluding 5 g juveniles show same result. Mean plasma osmolality of 20, 15, 10 and 5 gr juveniles in control group (time of 0) were calculated 331.3±8.7, 307.7±6, 334.7±14.6 and 301±8.7 mosml/l. This parameter in the above weight groups after 240 hours exposure in the Caspian Sea water were measured 329±0.53, 321±9, 325.3±6.7 and 346.5±13.6 respectively. The observation of kidney glomeruli in histological sections shows that the diameter of glomeruli in 5, 10, 15 g weight groups in 7 and all groups in Caspian water decreased after 72 h adaptation period (p0.05) for 5g juveniles, whereas within weight groups of 10, 15 and 20 g in Caspian Sea water and groups of 15, 20 g in water of 7 salinity, the increase (p0.05), although in other groups, a significant increase of this parameter was detected during experiments. Na^+ ,K^+ -ATPase activity in juveniles of 5g weight group in 7 salinity and Caspian water was low (3.2 6.1 mol Pi /mg protein/ h). The enzyme activities in all weight groups were higher under the exposure in Caspian Sea water than that in water of 7 salinity. In group of 10 g juveniles at start time (control in freshwater) the activity of Na^+, K^+ -ATPase was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that in 20g group. It is may be related to some metabolic changes and transforming to parr-smolt

Replication of TCF7L2 rs7903146 association with type 2 diabetes in an Iranian population

The transcription factor 7-like 2 gene (TCF7L2) rs7903146 T allele is constantly associated with Type 2 diabetes in various populations and ethnic groups. Nevertheless, this has not been observed in two studies involving Arab populations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between TCF7L2 rs7903146 in an Iranian population. Type 2 diabetes patients (N = 258) and normal healthy control subjects (N = 168) from the same area, were examined. The ARMS- PCR (Amplification Refractory Mutation System) technique, subsequently validated by direct sequencing, was used for genotyping. Allele and genotype frequencies were significantly different between patients and controls TT vs. CT + CC [p 0.0081 OR 3.4 95%CI (1.27-11.9)] and T vs. C allele [p 0.02 OR 1.4 95%CI (1.03-1.9)]. Our data thus confirm the association between the rs7903146 T allele and T2D in an Iranian population, contrary to previous reports in Arab populations. This can possibly be attributed to differences in ethnic background or the effects of environmental factors

Examination of sleep in relation to dietary and lifestyle behaviors during Ramadan: A multi-national study using structural equation modeling among 24,500 adults amid COVID-19

Background Of around 2 billion Muslims worldwide, approximately 1.5 billion observe Ramadan fasting (RF) month. Those that observe RF have diverse cultural, ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds and are distributed over a wide geographical area. Sleep is known to be significantly altered during the month of Ramadan, which has a profound impact on human health. Moreover, sleep is closely connected to dietary and lifestyle behaviors. Methods This cross-sectional study collected data using a structured, self-administered electronic questionnaire that was translated into 13 languages and disseminated to Muslim populations across 27 countries. The questionnaire assessed dietary and lifestyle factors as independent variables, and three sleep parameters (quality, duration, and disturbance) as dependent variables. We performed structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine how dietary and lifestyle factors affected these sleep parameters. Results In total, 24,541 adults were enrolled in this study. SEM analysis revealed that during RF, optimum sleep duration (7–9 h) was significantly associated with sufficient physical activity (PA) and consuming plant-based proteins. In addition, smoking was significantly associated with greater sleep disturbance and lower sleep quality. Participants that consumed vegetables, fruits, dates, and plant-based proteins reported better sleep quality. Infrequent consumption of delivered food and infrequent screen time were also associated with better sleep quality. Conflicting results were found regarding the impact of dining at home versus dining out on the three sleep parameters. Conclusion Increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins are important factors that could help improve healthy sleep for those observing RF. In addition, regular PA and avoiding smoking may contribute to improving sleep during RF

Expanding the clinical phenotype of IARS2-related mitochondrial disease.

BACKGROUND: IARS2 encodes a mitochondrial isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, a highly conserved nuclear-encoded enzyme required for the charging of tRNAs with their cognate amino acid for translation. Recently, pathogenic IARS2 variants have been identified in a number of patients presenting broad clinical phenotypes with autosomal recessive inheritance. These phenotypes range from Leigh and West syndrome to a new syndrome abbreviated CAGSSS that is characterised by cataracts, growth hormone deficiency, sensory neuropathy, sensorineural hearing loss, and skeletal dysplasia, as well as cataract with no additional anomalies. METHODS: Genomic DNA from Iranian probands from two families with consanguineous parental background and overlapping CAGSSS features were subjected to exome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS: Exome sequencing and data analysis revealed a novel homozygous missense variant (c.2625C > T, p.Pro909Ser, NM_018060.3) within a 14.3 Mb run of homozygosity in proband 1 and a novel homozygous missense variant (c.2282A > G, p.His761Arg) residing in an ~ 8 Mb region of homozygosity in a proband of the second family. Patient-derived fibroblasts from proband 1 showed normal respiratory chain enzyme activity, as well as unchanged oxidative phosphorylation protein subunits and IARS2 levels. Homology modelling of the known and novel amino acid residue substitutions in IARS2 provided insight into the possible consequence of these variants on function and structure of the protein. CONCLUSIONS: This study further expands the phenotypic spectrum of IARS2 pathogenic variants to include two patients (patients 2 and 3) with cataract and skeletal dysplasia and no other features of CAGSSS to the possible presentation of the defects in IARS2. Additionally, this study suggests that adult patients with CAGSSS may manifest central adrenal insufficiency and type II esophageal achalasia and proposes that a variable sensorineural hearing loss onset, proportionate short stature, polyneuropathy, and mild dysmorphic features are possible, as seen in patient 1. Our findings support that even though biallelic IARS2 pathogenic variants can result in a distinctive, clinically recognisable phenotype in humans, it can also show a wide range of clinical presentation from severe pediatric neurological disorders of Leigh and West syndrome to both non-syndromic cataract and cataract accompanied by skeletal dysplasia